Thursday the 3rd of April, 2025

 

Simply translate into English, then scroll down for suggested solutions.  Have Fun!

Heute Abend werden wir ins Theater gehen.  

Ein Stück von Arthur Miller.  

Meine Frau ist ein Fan von Arthur Miller. 

Ich mag Arthur Miller auch.  

Wir müssen uns bald fertig machen.  

Ich muss meine Schuhe putzen.  

Ich muss auch die Schuhe meiner Frau putzen.  

Schuhe putzen ist mein Job.  

Meine Frau ist im Keller.  

In der Waschküche.  

Sie bügelt.  

Sie bügelt mir ein Hemd. 

Meine Frau und ich teilen uns die Hausarbeit.  

Ich mache 20%.  

Meine Frau macht 80 %.  

Wir sind sehr glücklich.

This evening, we're going to the theatre.  A play by Arthur Miller.  My wife is an Arthur Miller fan. I like Arthur Miller as well.  Soon, we must get ready.  I must clean my shoes.  I must also clean my wife's shoes.  Cleaning shoes is my job.  My wife is in the cellar.  In the laundry room.  She is doing the ironing.  She is ironing me a shirt. My wife and I share the housework.  I do 20%.  My wife does 80%.  We are very happy.

The Farm at Lane's End - Chapter 40

The Farm at Lane's End is the story of English country life.  Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave.  In chapter 40, Dave is telling his parents all about the party he went to the night before.

Vocabulary

The bee's knees - This is an idiom.  It means an outstanding person or thing. 

Second to none is another was of saying the best.

Don't be so cocky means don't be so over confident (arrogant).

Over the moon.  If you are over the moon you are overly (very/very) happy.

And now to our story.  The Farm at Lane's End, chapter 40

How was the party you went to last night, Dave?

I have to say, mum and dad, it was one of the best parties I've ever been to.  It was magic.  Mike and Alison did a great job. They were the perfect hosts.

Tell us more, Dave.  Spill the beans.

The food was brilliant.  Alsion made Beef Wellington. Yumie, yumie. It was the best I'd ever, ever had.  The cocktails Mike served were second to none, And the discussions we had were fantastic.

What was discussed, Dave?

Really high things, dad. Mainly philosophy, art, and books. Things you wouldn't understand, dad.

Don't be so cocky, Dave. You should never underestimate people. Life is full of surprises.  Be careful what you say. 

And, what was Claire wearing, Dave?

Claire, she was fantastic.  She was the bee's knees.  She wore a dress she had made herself.  Beautiful yellows and blues, and her bag was the one I bought her in Paris.  Claire was the most beautiful woman at the party. 

And, what did you give Alison and Mike?

We gave them a book about French gardens. 

And, did they like it?

They were over the moon!  They're  into all things French.  

And, would you be in for a nice cup of tea, Dave?

Yes please, mum. And, if you have it, a nice slice of cherry cake, too.

Questions

Why was Claire the bee's knees?   Please describe Claire's dress.  Was Claire's dress homemade?  What did Alsion serve for main course?  Was Dave happy with the cocktails?  Why did Ken tell Dave off?  Why is it bad to be cocky?  Was Claire's bag Italian?  What did Claire and Dave give Alison and Mike?  Why were Alison and Mike over the moon with Claire's and Dave's present?  Why are French gardens so beautiful?  Why are English gardens the best in world?

Easy Text from Lexmatica

St. Paul's School in Toorington.

We have been to the pub, we have gone to church, we have spent time on Cherry Tree Farm; and now we are going to school.

St. Paul's school is a primary school.  The school has 4 classes. Class 1 for 5 year olds, Class 2 for 6 year olds, class 3 for 7 year olds, and class 4 for the oldest children.  In England, children start school when they are 5.

Mr.  Gaylor is the headmaster of St. Paul's, Mrs Hemmings teaches class 4, Mrs Roberts teaches class 3, Mr. Ludlow teaches class 2, and Miss. Glegg teaches class 1.  Each class has around 23 children. 

St. Paul's school uniform consists of grey short trousers for boys and a grey skirt for girls.  Long grey socks for boys and long white socks for girls. White shirts for boys and  white blouses for girls. The school tie is worn by boys and girls.  It is orange with yellow stripes. Every child must have a school blazer. St. Paul's blazer is blue.  St. Paul's school badge must be sewn onto the breast pocket.  The school uniform is compulsory. It must be worn all year round.  Summer and winter. 

In England, school starts everyday at 9 o clock. The school assembly starts each day.  The whole school meets in the school hall. 15 minutes of  hymns, prayers, and a short speech by the headmaster. There are 2 lessons in the morning and 2 in the afternoon.  The children come out at 4 o clock. 

The highlight of every school year is sport's day.  Next time, we're going to the games.

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